Best cam for stock heads [Archive] - Cherokee SRT8 Forum

: Best cam for stock heads


kgrencer
08-13-2009, 10:25 PM
Who has any opinions on the best cam for the stock heads? I will eventually do head work such as Port and Polish but am going to wait until there are a few more miles on the ticker. I am looking for the most cam without going overboard with limitations from stock heads.
I have straight exhaust on the truck with stock cats as well as 4" Cold air intake with a Ported Throttle Body.

Also, Does anyone have any links to any write-ups on cam installs on these 6.1's? I am a seasoned mechanic, so this will not be out of my capabilities, just trying to gauge the extent of the work,


Thanks Guys.

hawkman996
08-13-2009, 10:58 PM
For a cam write up search in BlownWK's posts. I know he posted a link when he had his cam done in may.

As for which is the best with stock heads....well that is a loaded question.

I know Patrick G. and Lee have both gone 12.4x with the FRI littleboy cam. I saw Lee's truck run at Zmax and it was strong.

Patrick G. also put a ported intake on and with cam/ported intake he went 12.1.

Others like the PPP stage II cam. HarrisonZ has it in his jeep but we only have run in the summer time. I believe his best was a 12.70 in the humid florida weather.

BlownWK has the SRT max cam I believe and he went 12.6 at zmax with just a base cmr tune a few days after the cam install. I'm sure once the weather cools both the above guys I mentioned will be in the 12.5x range at least.

Link to Pat G's posts

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12571&highlight=fri+littleboy

Blown-WK
08-14-2009, 07:37 AM
Yeah like Hawkman said, there are a lot of variables to consider and it al comes down to your goals? Are you looking for the best 1/4 mile times? Best driveability? Most stealthy? Best low end? Top end? Unfortunately you can't have them all and have to sacrifice some things to get other things? I can tell you based off your original post that if you plan on keeping stock heads/valvetrain it was recommended to me not to exceed about .580/.580 on the cam.

This is the writeup I did along with a short video.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27750&highlight=cam+install

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-cQMd9DbU&feature=channel_page

pjs1965
08-14-2009, 09:00 AM
Awesome info Dave & Chris. +1 for both of you.

billettechnology
08-14-2009, 09:47 AM
Heres the cam I put in my Charger.I know its not a jeep but it made more power than a Comp 268.However you will need to change your springs..
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/1FST4DR/th_MOV00821.jpg (http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/1FST4DR/?action=view&current=MOV00821.flv)

Blown-WK
08-14-2009, 09:53 AM
Heres the cam I put in my Charger.I know its not a jeep but it made more power than a Comp 268.However you will need to change your springs..
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/1FST4DR/th_MOV00821.jpg (http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/1FST4DR/?action=view&current=MOV00821.flv)

Thats Scotts car and that cam was made for nitrous. That came is like a 560/560 on a 113. Mine is a 575/565 on a 112 and runs stock springs. They are recommended but not required.

kgrencer
08-14-2009, 10:23 AM
Awesome info guys! Thanks!!

do you know of any good guys in the Phoenix AZ area that might want to lend a hand??

billettechnology
08-14-2009, 11:01 AM
Thats Scotts car and that cam was made for nitrous. That came is like a 560/560 on a 113. Mine is a 575/565 on a 112 and runs stock springs. They are recommended but not required.

Correct,Im scott:D it was made for n20 but it out performed my comp268,
Gave me 1/10 on the spray and N/A.But you do need to change the springs.

Best was a 12.34 Cam only in a charger..

Blown-WK
08-14-2009, 11:13 AM
Correct,Im scott:D it was made for n20 but it out performed my comp268,
Gave me 1/10 on the spray and N/A.But you do need to change the springs.

Best was a 12.34 Cam only in a charger..

LOL well that makes sense then. I didn't realized you had a different screename over here. Btw, when did you get a 392? I thought you were running a cam only 6.1 with spray?

billettechnology
08-14-2009, 11:56 AM
LOL well that makes sense then. I didn't realized you had a different screename over here. Btw, when did you get a 392? I thought you were running a cam only 6.1 with spray?


LMAO..Welp its a long story and i dont want to booger up this guys thread,but I got it June 27th installed it.Wouldnt run,took it out and
its on its way back to the builder.I also went with a Direct port set
up as well:D Not that is doing me any good with out a motor.:(

1C5
08-14-2009, 01:44 PM
Yeah like Hawkman said, there are a lot of variables to consider and it al comes down to your goals? Are you looking for the best 1/4 mile times? Best driveability? Most stealthy? Best low end? Top end? Unfortunately you can't have them all and have to sacrifice some things to get other things? I can tell you based off your original post that if you plan on keeping stock heads/valvetrain it was recommended to me not to exceed about .580/.580 on the cam.

This is the writeup I did along with a short video.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27750&highlight=cam+install

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-cQMd9DbU&feature=channel_page


this cam sounds awesome!!! 112?

What are its specs???

Chris@MWP
08-14-2009, 03:45 PM
I was going with the FRI Littleboy cam since this is my DD but instead went with the FRI Sparrow cam. It is a little more aggressive then the littleboy but for daily drivablitly its just what I am looking for. It has a slight lope with the stock exhaust and great power. Unfortuantly I cannot give you any times before and after due to its Africa safari hot here in Houston and I havent made it back to the track. The only mods I have at time of install were the 4" Bwoody and 180 TStat. Oh and when I did the cam i did the valve springs too.

kgrencer
08-16-2009, 12:10 PM
From all of my research, the PPP stage 2 seems to be the safest bet without doing valve train modifications. Will this cam have a healthy Idle? I am more concerned with achieving lopey idle, and low end torque with this cam, as I have lost some of that with my free- flowing straight exhaust......

hawkman996
08-16-2009, 12:18 PM
Both 1bamfr and HarrisonZ have this cam in their jeeps. I believe both have video's too....

Andy
08-16-2009, 07:13 PM
The PPP stage II cam is an awesome cam. The cam in that video above in the charger is an n2o version of the stage II cam also. You can run that cam with stock springs, but if it were me, I would go ahead and change them out.

Blown-WK
08-18-2009, 08:43 AM
From all of my research, the PPP stage 2 seems to be the safest bet without doing valve train modifications. Will this cam have a healthy Idle? I am more concerned with achieving lopey idle, and low end torque with this cam, as I have lost some of that with my free- flowing straight exhaust......

Thats a good choice. I have seen two versions of the Stage 2 though. Some have a 114LSA and others have a 113LSA. The 113 will have a more noticeable lope. HarrisonZ runs the stage 2 on a 113 and has run 12.70 so far in summer heat.

Harrison@Stage6
08-18-2009, 10:34 AM
Here a video of my cam. Enjoy.

Here's the loud one.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NGyiXgALD0

Here's the quieter one now with a 2nd sset of mufflers.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km3ZeU-gYqo

1C5
08-18-2009, 10:42 AM
what kind of pricing can i expect for install of a cam?

Andy
08-18-2009, 11:45 AM
$500-$800.

kgrencer
08-18-2009, 12:00 PM
HarrisonZ, Did you replace the valve springs when you intalled this cam?

kgrencer
08-18-2009, 12:04 PM
Sorry, Didn't hear your narrative.

I really don't want to change the springs, as I would just go with a total head build at that point if navagating away from stock internals. Will there be any negative effects running the stock springs on the PPP stage 2 cam? I do NOT want to start messing with the reliablility of the jeep.

CentralTexHemi
08-18-2009, 12:23 PM
You take a risk on ANY cam swap with the stock springs holding up, you also run a risk when swapping out to what is supposed to be stronger springs that could also break and drop a valve so keep in mind once you start tearing into your jeep there is no guarantee something will not go wrong.

Andy
08-18-2009, 12:38 PM
Sorry, Didn't hear your narrative.

I really don't want to change the springs, as I would just go with a total head build at that point if navagating away from stock internals. Will there be any negative effects running the stock springs on the PPP stage 2 cam? I do NOT want to start messing with the reliablility of the jeep.

You take a risk on ANY cam swap with the stock springs holding up, you also run a risk when swapping out to what is supposed to be stronger springs that could also break and drop a valve so keep in mind once you start tearing into your jeep there is no guarantee something will not go wrong.

Exactly. Dont do a cam without changing the springs also. If you want a cam that is safe with stock springs, use the stock cam. I am sorry if that comes across rudely, but dont take the risk. A broken spring can result in a busted up engine which costs allot more than upgraded valve springs.

Blown-WK
08-18-2009, 12:39 PM
Sorry, Didn't hear your narrative.

I really don't want to change the springs, as I would just go with a total head build at that point if navagating away from stock internals. Will there be any negative effects running the stock springs on the PPP stage 2 cam? I do NOT want to start messing with the reliablility of the jeep.

You can run any of the cams mentioned in this thread on stock springs if you want. Just don't go too crazy on the lift/duration and you will be ok. Anything PPP stage 3 or up, PPP pro-series, Inertia knuckleduster and similar cams need springs/pushrods.

kgrencer
08-18-2009, 12:49 PM
Has anyone replaced the springs successfully without removing the heads?

Blown-WK
08-18-2009, 12:52 PM
Has anyone replaced the springs successfully without removing the heads?

Yes you need the proper spring compressor to do it. There are a few vendors that sell them.

billettechnology
08-18-2009, 01:34 PM
Has anyone replaced the springs successfully without removing the heads?


You might as well yank the heads.Its probably the same amount of time only easier,heck if your a decent wrench its probably less time yanking the heads.

Also if you drop a retainer,well I dont need to go there..:eek:

kgrencer
08-18-2009, 04:36 PM
I am a seasoned mechanic, and thats why I know that the more you retain the factory seal, the better. In this case is the head gaskets.

divette
08-21-2009, 12:29 PM
I established more than ten new cams on stock springs, any problems

Andy
08-21-2009, 01:57 PM
I established more than ten new cams on stock springs, any problems


Which cams are they? I would not run more than 575 lift on the stock springs.

Blown-WK
08-21-2009, 02:25 PM
Which cams are they? I would not run more than 575 lift on the stock springs.

x2....thats a good rule.

divette
08-22-2009, 01:55 AM
I used Arrington CC581cam valve lift: .581"/.581".
For .600" I use springs patriot-performance, excellent springs!

Harrison@Stage6
08-31-2009, 12:39 PM
We took off my heads. It would be a total PITA to change the springs with the heads on. As many little PITA retainers that popped out, it's better to remove them. But hey, to each their own. Good luck. Head and exhaust gaskets aren't that pricey.

Andy
08-31-2009, 03:15 PM
I used Arrington CC581cam valve lift: .581"/.581".
For .600" I use springs patriot-performance, excellent springs!

Arrington uses a 1.72 rocker ratio where everyone else in this industry uses 1.60. Basically what that means is that if Arrington used the 1.60 rocker ratio, your cam would only have .540" Lift.

EX: PPP Camshaft(.581" Lift)= .363" Lobe lift
Arrington CC581 Cam (.581" Lift)= .338" Lobe Lift

Even though both cams appear to have the same lift, they are allot different. If the PPP cam was rated at 1.72 Rocker Ratio, it would have .624" lift compared to the .581" Lift of the Arrington grind.

What I am trying to say is that comparitively speaking, .581" of lift assuming 1.72 rocker ratio is a pretty mild lift.

divette
08-31-2009, 03:49 PM
Andy, where to buy 1.72 rocker?
cam from PPP a good product but to wait for them already there is no time.

turtle1678
08-31-2009, 03:50 PM
Im having that N2O cam put in my jeep next week Ill let you know how it goes

Harrison@Stage6
08-31-2009, 04:46 PM
Is that you Andy(PW Racing)?

Andy
08-31-2009, 04:53 PM
If your mad, its not me. If your happy, then yes its me. lol.

Harrison@Stage6
08-31-2009, 04:55 PM
Boo Boo...... I didn't know Pee Wee Racing was you.:lol: Wud up bro? Your cell still the same?

Andy
08-31-2009, 05:05 PM
Oh man, Pee Wee Racing. That sucks, I need to change my name. lol. Yep, cell is still the same.

Harrison@Stage6
08-31-2009, 05:34 PM
How about Poon Wart? That better?:rofl:

You ready for some SEC football or what?

Andy
08-31-2009, 05:46 PM
LSU dominates

kgrencer
08-31-2009, 06:53 PM
WOW!

This research has been exhausting! I have narrowed things down to three cams (maybe a fourth):

1. SHR CMG1
2. FRI SPARROW
3. PPI STAGE 2
4. Talking with CompCams for a custom grind based on my goals....

Again, the goal is low to mid range power, aggressive idle, and a grind that will take well to future mods such as P.P., High flow Manifold, torque converter etc....
Also keep in mind that I can deal with some reduced drivability day to day as this is turning into a toy.

Blown-WK
09-01-2009, 08:10 AM
WOW!

This research has been exhausting! I have narrowed things down to three cams (maybe a fourth):

1. SHR CMG1
2. FRI SPARROW
3. PPI STAGE 2
4. Talking with CompCams for a custom grind based on my goals....

Again, the goal is low to mid range power, aggressive idle, and a grind that will take well to future mods such as P.P., High flow Manifold, torque converter etc....
Also keep in mind that I can deal with some reduced drivability day to day as this is turning into a toy.

I would go with the SCUD if you pick FRI.

turtle1678
09-01-2009, 08:28 AM
Sounds good. Send me your original backup and I will send you a start-up tune.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, pm your email info and I will get the back up to you, cant wait to get this $hit going.

kgrencer
09-01-2009, 08:35 AM
Here is the specs on the cam that Comp is recommending:

INTAKE MASTER 3711Q

EXHAUST MASTER 3713Q

ENGINE CHR57 5.7L HEMI XFI 268H-13

GRIND NUMBER CHR57 5.7L HEMI XFI 268H-13

INT EXH

HYDRAULIC Y/N YES DUR @.050 216 220

INT EXH LOBE LIFT .330 .332

VALVE ADJUSTMENT HYD HYD ROCKER RATIO 1.60 1.60

MAX GROSS VALVE LIFT .528 .531

DUR @ .006 TAPPET LIFT 268 272 LOBE SEPARATI 113.0

ADVANCE 0

VALVE TIMING OPEN CLOSE VALVE SPRINGS 26918

.006 INT 21 67

EXH 69 23

THESE SPECS ARE FOR CAM(S) INSTALLED

113.0 INTAKE CENTERLINE

Blown-WK
09-01-2009, 08:43 AM
Thats a standard off the shelf Comp 268. Thats a pretty mild cam that you can buy anywhere.

http://www.rpmoutlet.com/300cam.htm

kgrencer
09-01-2009, 03:06 PM
Well thats what I thought.

By the way, I am also talking with the guys from Inertia about their SRT MAX cam, and they are insisting that it is a waste of money to change the valve springs. This is a pretty crazy cam, does anyone have any experience?

Harrison@Stage6
09-01-2009, 04:35 PM
LSU dominates

Buwahahahahahahahaha......... man, I haven't had a good laugh like that in awhile. We'll see when the little Tiger Cubs meet the Big Bad Gators. Didn't you check the Chinese New Year Charts? It's the year of the GATOR!!!:D:rocker:

Andy
09-01-2009, 05:11 PM
Here is the specs on the cam that Comp is recommending:

INTAKE MASTER 3711Q

EXHAUST MASTER 3713Q

ENGINE CHR57 5.7L HEMI XFI 268H-13

GRIND NUMBER CHR57 5.7L HEMI XFI 268H-13

INT EXH

HYDRAULIC Y/N YES DUR @.050 216 220

INT EXH LOBE LIFT .330 .332

VALVE ADJUSTMENT HYD HYD ROCKER RATIO 1.60 1.60

MAX GROSS VALVE LIFT .528 .531

DUR @ .006 TAPPET LIFT 268 272 LOBE SEPARATI 113.0

ADVANCE 0

VALVE TIMING OPEN CLOSE VALVE SPRINGS 26918

.006 INT 21 67

EXH 69 23

THESE SPECS ARE FOR CAM(S) INSTALLED

113.0 INTAKE CENTERLINE

Here is the PPP Stage II N2O grind compared to that Comp cam.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x281/PPP-Tech/Dynos/a.jpg

Thats a standard off the shelf Comp 268. Thats a pretty mild cam that you can buy anywhere.

http://www.rpmoutlet.com/300cam.htm

What he said.

Well thats what I thought.

By the way, I am also talking with the guys from Inertia about their SRT MAX cam, and they are insisting that it is a waste of money to change the valve springs. This is a pretty crazy cam, does anyone have any experience?

The SRT Max is a 218/223, the PPP Stage II and III are larger cams. The Stage II cam from PPP is going to be tough to beat. I say that as a competitor for PPP.

Buwahahahahahahahaha......... man, I haven't had a good laugh like that in awhile. We'll see when the little Tiger Cubs meet the Big Bad Gators. Didn't you check the Chinese New Year Charts? It's the year of the GATOR!!!:D:rocker:


Yeah yeah yeah. Tebow is getting injured this year. lol. Florida will definitely be the better team this year, they will win the SEC and probably National Title.

Harrison@Stage6
09-01-2009, 05:15 PM
Whoa whoa whoa..... let's not get ahead of ourselves here Pee Wee. Yes we have probably the best returning team. ANYONE can beat us at anytime! Flippin' Old Miss showed us that last year. I'm sure we'll win the SEC..... but as far as the Big One.... we'll just have to wait and see.:D And Superman isn't going anywhere dammit!!

Harrison@Stage6
09-01-2009, 05:19 PM
Well thats what I thought.

By the way, I am also talking with the guys from Inertia about their SRT MAX cam, and they are insisting that it is a waste of money to change the valve springs. This is a pretty crazy cam, does anyone have any experience?

I've got an expierence with that cam........ I beat Chris' Jeep which has one in it compared to my PPP Stage 2!!:rofl::rofl: Sorry Chris, couldn't resist! I also have a slightly modified TB and a Stage 2 BB valve body. Other than those 2 items.... our trucks are identical pretty much. My truck does weigh more than his though.

Andy
09-01-2009, 06:29 PM
If you can win the SEC, you can win the National Title. The SEC championship is a tougher game than the National title IMO. Sorry Big Ten fans. lol. Oh and sorry USC fans also, but hey, the Rose Bowl is a cute bowl also. lol. Ok, I will be nice now, its all in good fun.

BTLFED
09-01-2009, 09:11 PM
US who ??? Texas Baby !!!!!!


Andy check your PMs

Andy
09-01-2009, 09:19 PM
I dont have any??

Blown-WK
09-02-2009, 09:50 AM
I've got an expierence with that cam........ I beat Chris' Jeep which has one in it compared to my PPP Stage 2!!:rofl::rofl: Sorry Chris, couldn't resist! I also have a slightly modified TB and a Stage 2 BB valve body. Other than those 2 items.... our trucks are identical pretty much. My truck does weigh more than his though.

I think you are slightly mistaken about who is faster:p

I went 12.62 @ 108.39 compared to your 12.70 @ 106.35

AND you have more mods than me biotch. Underdrive pulley, Bbill Valvebody and ported throttle body. We will go to gville again soon and settle this once and for all once I have those extra mods to even us up:eek:

Harrison@Stage6
09-02-2009, 10:40 AM
You went 12.62 at a different track without me being there. The one time we actually lined them up together.... I believe I was the quickest EVERY time.:D;) But hey, I'm down for a G'ville or Orlando run any time Chrissy.

Andy
09-02-2009, 10:47 AM
tb and pulley isnt going to add much. Whats the weight difference between the 2?

Harrison@Stage6
09-02-2009, 11:19 AM
Don't know...... we'd have to get on some scales. I know I weigh more than him. Body wise and vehicle wise. There's enough weight difference to make up for the added mods I'm sure.

Blown-WK
09-02-2009, 11:25 AM
tb and pulley isnt going to add much. Whats the weight difference between the 2?

Never had them on a scale. Mine is loaded and has rear dvd and his does not. Both of us remove our subboxes so that is null. I think he leaves his amps in since they are in the floor. He is definitely heavier than me physically:D I love how we split hairs to see who has the faster jeep:p Its one big friendly rivalry.

Blown-WK
09-02-2009, 11:28 AM
On a positive note I am anxious to see how we would run together now that I have an exhaust with some backpressure. Feels stronger out of the hole for sure.

Harrison@Stage6
09-02-2009, 12:17 PM
Don't forget all my doors and floor is dynomatted too Chrissy.:D I'd say my truck has 125lbs. on you all in all if not more with me and totals. I just can't wait to get a damn dyno tune!

unvmym3
09-26-2009, 10:20 AM
that cam sounds bad ass i love it